Post by Mizagium on Dec 24, 2017 0:31:34 GMT -5
Space Land: An Introduction
A Brief History:
For generations the Cosmic Shogunate has ruled a large volume of known space with an iron grip. Under the leadership of the Shogun, the Great Houses of the Star Samurai, the Shogunate was widely feared as a brutal conquering force. Several centuries ago, the secretive Space Ninja maneuvered themselves into a position of power from behind the scenes. With the Shoguns now under their power, they forced the Samurai out, and the Elder Clans became the de facto rulers of the Shogunate.
In the present day, the Fuku-Shogun (like vice principal) Arcturus, orchestrated the assassination of Polaris, the current Shogun. Arcturus assumes leadership of the Shogunate and begins his campaign to Make Space Land Great Again. He frames the Space Ninja for the assassination, and sends his elite Inner Circle of warriors on various secret missions across the galaxy, including Awesome Land on Earth.
Arcturus’ main confidant is the shady scientist, Ophiuchus, who performed the actual murder, and appears to have his own agenda that the Shogun is not privy to.
Arcturus’ next act is to reinstate the Council of the Great Houses, bringing the Four Star Samurai Families for the first time in generations. Following that, he departs for the warlike planet of Ceinia, on which the nation of Polemos had nearly conquered the world. Twenty-five years ago, an army of Star Samurai, sanctioned by Polaris and headed by Ophiuchus, landed on the planet and began ill-fated campaign to conquer it. The war became too costly and stagnated and eventually Ophiuchus departed and the support from the homeland dried up.
The war continued, however, largely forgotten about. Arcturus has arrived on Polemos to discern the best way to end the conflict, but has found the situation worse than he imagined. The warrior queen Alala of Polemos will not likely enter peace talks after fighting this enemy for so long.
Elsewhere, the crew of the Sideboob has left earth. Captained by Neero, and crwed by Ydda, Havok Squad, Leske, Kayla Efrun, and Rick Thunder, their mission is ostensibly to search for Leske’s erstwhile master, Magnus. And also to investigate who tried to invade Earth (it was the Shogunate). Boarded by Leporis, who became their prisoner, and then by Astali, who took him prisoner, the ship made a pit stop at a seedy diner space station. There they were accosted by local ruffians, and met Bushido Jones. Jones claimed to have knowledge of Magnus, but would only share if they agreed to take him with them.
People
Arcturus: The New Shogun of the Cosmic Shogunate, determined to Make Space Land Great Again. He has gained the support of the Samurai Houses and apparently decimated the Space Ninja. Unbeknownst to all but Ophiuchus, Arcturus has been blessed by the Azure Dragon, one of the Four Stellar Spirits. He is secretly searching for the other three Stellar Spirit Vessels for some esoteric goal.
Ophiuchus: A snakelike scientist, head of the Far Out Research & Development (FORD) Laboratory. Ophiuchus is a master of fringe science, genetic manipulation, and the burgeoning field of magitech. He is Arcturus’ main ally at this time. He is not to be trusted, and Arcturus knows this.
The Four Star Samurai House Lords
- Ishikawa Hokkaido
- Kurosaki Honshu
- Fujibayashi Shikaku
- Ryuugamine Kyushu
Betelgeuse: Once known as the mighty hunter, Orion, Betelgeuse refused Arcturus’ requests for assistance many times. Eventually his old rival, Antares, was sent to convince him. Unfortunately, Antares took things too far and destroyed his right arm. Ophiuchus fitted Orion with a new mechanical arm. Adopting the name Betelgeuse, he reluctantly agreed to assist, if only to keep an eye on Antares. He fought against Havok Squad during the blockade of Earth and nearly lost himself to a berserk fury.
Antares: Known better as The Scorpion, Antares is a madman who secretes acid and corrosives from his hands. He was Orion’s rival many years ago. Antares is Arcturus’ rabid dog, let loose to accomplish a task without regard for collateral damage. After successfully recruiting Orion, Antares was sent on another mission in secret.
Monoceras: A member of the Tsuno, a race of humanoids that grow unicorn-like horns. The Tsuno are enslaved to the Shogunate, but Monoceras has been elevated to Arcturus’ Inner Circle. He looks down upon his enslaved brethren. Monoceras is a telepath and magic-user. Magic is a rare gift in the Shogunate, so he stored magical abilities in the severed horns of his people. Monoceras was dispatched to earth with the Fleet and wound up capturing Alastor and Evangeline.
Draconis: An honorable Star Samurai hailing from a family sword in service to a Space Ninja family. Draconis possesses the sword, Ootenkiryuuga, which houses a powerful dragon spirit, Tiamat. Draconis was dispatched to kill Cozaltene, a young man who witnessed the secret refinement process of Unobgassium on Cloud Land. He fought CETIS, which caused Tiamat to awaken, but was knocked out by GOLDBEZ.
Vega: A young woman, formerly of the Star Fallers unit. She was recruited by Arcturus who promised to have her lover, Altair, released from prison. She as sent to Earth to kill Alphonse, a friend of Cozaltene’s who also escaped Cloud Land. After fighting, the two agreed to a temporary truce until Vega could get back into space.
Leporis: A jovial man with a large, powerful belly. Leporis was recruited from a life of deskwork and given to Betelgeuse to command during the blockade of Earth. He invaded the Sideboob and was taken by Captain Neero and the mysterious Polemian warrior, Astali.
Castor & Pollux: Twin lighting users and ace pilots sent on a secret mission to investigate the planet Thalassa Abzu for Arcturus. They were caught in an electrical storm and forced to land at a mysterious space station where they were assaulted by Metal Gear Fish and Cod Commando.
Corvus Crater: Disgraced former Star Saurai, Corvus was imprisoned for insubordination. Arcturus discovered Crovus was blessed by the Vermilion Bird, another Stellar Spirit and released him. Corvus feigned loyalty, then immediately disappeared, appearing on the pirate ship belonging to Sky Captain Bactus Virerina, Captain of the Skies, hungover.
Mayuri Kurosutchi: Aide to Shogun Acrturus, tasked with spying on Ophiuchus and FORD Labs.
Aster: Soldier serving on the Hantou garrison on Ceinia – was actually born on the planet. He had become the de factor commander before Arcturus arrived. Impressed with the young man, Arcturus promoted him to Captain-Commander.
Starburst: Real name: Alaizael Roman. She was captured by FORD after the events of ALR and made into an experiment. Alaizabel’s personality was suppressed, turning her into a tool of Ophiuchus.
Locations
Far Out: Seldom-used designation for the various lands beyond Earth. “Space Land” is more commonly (though erroneously) used in place of it.
Space Land: A habitable planetoid that is the homeland of the Cosmic Shogunate and host to the ecumenopolis world-city) Astro City. Space Land is also the ancestral home of the order of Star Samurai, the premier fighting force in the Cosmic Shogunate.
Astro City: The formal name for the city complex that covers 99% of the planetoid, Space Land. Astro City is the seat of Shogunate governance. As with Far Out, Astro City is seldom used except in formal situations, as Space Land has become far more common a term.
Cosmic Shogunate: The stellar nation encompassing the worlds of Space Land, Lunar Land, Solar Land, Asteroid Land, and Nebula Land, as well as some minor colony worlds, territories on various planets, and scattered space stations. The Shogunate is lead by the Shogun, also known as the Pole Star, as all the realm aligns to him or her.
Ceinia: A primitive world on the edge of Shogunate space. Conquered by the warrior queen, Alala of Polemos. She was on the verge of global domination when she encountered Shogunate forces. Awar has waged for 25 years, and has largely come to a standstill.
Cloud Land: A gaseous planet in the same solar system as Earth. Formerly inhabited by humans, the planet was recently taken over by the Octopodes, a hated race of space octopuses that are masters of infiltration and disguise. With backing by Arcturus, the migrant people completely replaced the indigenous population. Now under the governance of Landro Takayaki, Cloud Land has agreed to become a vassal state to the Shogunate, trading for unobgassium and their stealth abilities. How effective are their abilities? Literally anyone you know could be an Octopode and you would never know.
Objects:
Pole Star: The amulet worn by the Shogun. Shines with pure starlight and is the symbol of the nation.
Restoration of Genji: The Shogun’s personal ship, the Imperial starliner.
Organizations
Star Samurai: An organization of powerful warriors, they are the main fighting force of the Cosmic Shogunate. Samurai are extremely concerned with lineage, and all families are branches of the Four Great Houses. The Samurai Academy recruits young and churns soldiers out by the time they are eighteen, and even recruits from the peasantry. Samurai of sufficient skill level are provided an Ability Crystal, which bonds to their sword, providing a set of powers. Such powers are usually activated by uttering an activation phrase.
Space Ninja: A clandestine organization of, well, ninja that have ruled from the shadows for generations. Once completely hidden on their world of Eclipse Land, the Ninja feared the Shogunate would discover their home and so succeeded in usurping effective control of the realm. They never left, and became an open secret, though their home remained hidden. To further muddle the truth, they intentionally spread rumors of Penumbra, a hidden Space Ninja village that was ostensibly their home. Space Ninja have a wide array of abilities accessed through space ninjutsu, as well as an arsenal of powerful, but secretive weaponry. Space Ninja are divided into Seven Clans and ruled by the Elders.
Stellar Spirits: Four ancient and powerful spirits that exist in Far Out. The Azure Dragon, the Vermillion Bird, the White Tiger, and the Black Tortoise. Periodically they may choose a host to inhabit, granting their blessings and powers to. It is said that if all Four Spirits are united at a certain time, a fifth spirit, the Yellow Dragon, will be summoned forth.
Cosmic Crusaders: A former band of crime-fighters that fought injustice across the Shogunate. They included the space ninja Stella and Blanche; Moon Blade, a young boy chosen by the Man in the Moon; Starburst, who was born with the heart of a star; Daar Lorra, an expert sniper and former mercenary; and Nebula, a FORD experiment that escaped. They eventually went their separate ways. Stella stole some FORD secrets and wound up in Awesome Land, pursued by Blanche (See ALR). Shenanigans ensued and eventually all the Crusaders were reunited to face their old foe, Cixer Star. Stella was lost in the Black Nova. Starburst departed to search for her friend, but Moon Blade, Blanche, and Daar Lorra remained on earth to start new lives.
FORD: The Far Out Research and Development Laboratories, FORD has been under the leadership of Ophiuchus for decades. Responsible for developing the most dangerous weapons the Shogunate employed, it also created a program to create power supersoldiers. They experimented on Stella, pumping cosmic energy into her and breaking her mind; they have done the same to Starburst, but on a more limited scale.
A Brief History:
For generations the Cosmic Shogunate has ruled a large volume of known space with an iron grip. Under the leadership of the Shogun, the Great Houses of the Star Samurai, the Shogunate was widely feared as a brutal conquering force. Several centuries ago, the secretive Space Ninja maneuvered themselves into a position of power from behind the scenes. With the Shoguns now under their power, they forced the Samurai out, and the Elder Clans became the de facto rulers of the Shogunate.
In the present day, the Fuku-Shogun (like vice principal) Arcturus, orchestrated the assassination of Polaris, the current Shogun. Arcturus assumes leadership of the Shogunate and begins his campaign to Make Space Land Great Again. He frames the Space Ninja for the assassination, and sends his elite Inner Circle of warriors on various secret missions across the galaxy, including Awesome Land on Earth.
Arcturus’ main confidant is the shady scientist, Ophiuchus, who performed the actual murder, and appears to have his own agenda that the Shogun is not privy to.
Arcturus’ next act is to reinstate the Council of the Great Houses, bringing the Four Star Samurai Families for the first time in generations. Following that, he departs for the warlike planet of Ceinia, on which the nation of Polemos had nearly conquered the world. Twenty-five years ago, an army of Star Samurai, sanctioned by Polaris and headed by Ophiuchus, landed on the planet and began ill-fated campaign to conquer it. The war became too costly and stagnated and eventually Ophiuchus departed and the support from the homeland dried up.
The war continued, however, largely forgotten about. Arcturus has arrived on Polemos to discern the best way to end the conflict, but has found the situation worse than he imagined. The warrior queen Alala of Polemos will not likely enter peace talks after fighting this enemy for so long.
Elsewhere, the crew of the Sideboob has left earth. Captained by Neero, and crwed by Ydda, Havok Squad, Leske, Kayla Efrun, and Rick Thunder, their mission is ostensibly to search for Leske’s erstwhile master, Magnus. And also to investigate who tried to invade Earth (it was the Shogunate). Boarded by Leporis, who became their prisoner, and then by Astali, who took him prisoner, the ship made a pit stop at a seedy diner space station. There they were accosted by local ruffians, and met Bushido Jones. Jones claimed to have knowledge of Magnus, but would only share if they agreed to take him with them.
People
Arcturus: The New Shogun of the Cosmic Shogunate, determined to Make Space Land Great Again. He has gained the support of the Samurai Houses and apparently decimated the Space Ninja. Unbeknownst to all but Ophiuchus, Arcturus has been blessed by the Azure Dragon, one of the Four Stellar Spirits. He is secretly searching for the other three Stellar Spirit Vessels for some esoteric goal.
Ophiuchus: A snakelike scientist, head of the Far Out Research & Development (FORD) Laboratory. Ophiuchus is a master of fringe science, genetic manipulation, and the burgeoning field of magitech. He is Arcturus’ main ally at this time. He is not to be trusted, and Arcturus knows this.
The Four Star Samurai House Lords
- Ishikawa Hokkaido
- Kurosaki Honshu
- Fujibayashi Shikaku
- Ryuugamine Kyushu
Betelgeuse: Once known as the mighty hunter, Orion, Betelgeuse refused Arcturus’ requests for assistance many times. Eventually his old rival, Antares, was sent to convince him. Unfortunately, Antares took things too far and destroyed his right arm. Ophiuchus fitted Orion with a new mechanical arm. Adopting the name Betelgeuse, he reluctantly agreed to assist, if only to keep an eye on Antares. He fought against Havok Squad during the blockade of Earth and nearly lost himself to a berserk fury.
Antares: Known better as The Scorpion, Antares is a madman who secretes acid and corrosives from his hands. He was Orion’s rival many years ago. Antares is Arcturus’ rabid dog, let loose to accomplish a task without regard for collateral damage. After successfully recruiting Orion, Antares was sent on another mission in secret.
Monoceras: A member of the Tsuno, a race of humanoids that grow unicorn-like horns. The Tsuno are enslaved to the Shogunate, but Monoceras has been elevated to Arcturus’ Inner Circle. He looks down upon his enslaved brethren. Monoceras is a telepath and magic-user. Magic is a rare gift in the Shogunate, so he stored magical abilities in the severed horns of his people. Monoceras was dispatched to earth with the Fleet and wound up capturing Alastor and Evangeline.
Draconis: An honorable Star Samurai hailing from a family sword in service to a Space Ninja family. Draconis possesses the sword, Ootenkiryuuga, which houses a powerful dragon spirit, Tiamat. Draconis was dispatched to kill Cozaltene, a young man who witnessed the secret refinement process of Unobgassium on Cloud Land. He fought CETIS, which caused Tiamat to awaken, but was knocked out by GOLDBEZ.
Vega: A young woman, formerly of the Star Fallers unit. She was recruited by Arcturus who promised to have her lover, Altair, released from prison. She as sent to Earth to kill Alphonse, a friend of Cozaltene’s who also escaped Cloud Land. After fighting, the two agreed to a temporary truce until Vega could get back into space.
Leporis: A jovial man with a large, powerful belly. Leporis was recruited from a life of deskwork and given to Betelgeuse to command during the blockade of Earth. He invaded the Sideboob and was taken by Captain Neero and the mysterious Polemian warrior, Astali.
Castor & Pollux: Twin lighting users and ace pilots sent on a secret mission to investigate the planet Thalassa Abzu for Arcturus. They were caught in an electrical storm and forced to land at a mysterious space station where they were assaulted by Metal Gear Fish and Cod Commando.
Corvus Crater: Disgraced former Star Saurai, Corvus was imprisoned for insubordination. Arcturus discovered Crovus was blessed by the Vermilion Bird, another Stellar Spirit and released him. Corvus feigned loyalty, then immediately disappeared, appearing on the pirate ship belonging to Sky Captain Bactus Virerina, Captain of the Skies, hungover.
Mayuri Kurosutchi: Aide to Shogun Acrturus, tasked with spying on Ophiuchus and FORD Labs.
Aster: Soldier serving on the Hantou garrison on Ceinia – was actually born on the planet. He had become the de factor commander before Arcturus arrived. Impressed with the young man, Arcturus promoted him to Captain-Commander.
Starburst: Real name: Alaizael Roman. She was captured by FORD after the events of ALR and made into an experiment. Alaizabel’s personality was suppressed, turning her into a tool of Ophiuchus.
Locations
Far Out: Seldom-used designation for the various lands beyond Earth. “Space Land” is more commonly (though erroneously) used in place of it.
Space Land: A habitable planetoid that is the homeland of the Cosmic Shogunate and host to the ecumenopolis world-city) Astro City. Space Land is also the ancestral home of the order of Star Samurai, the premier fighting force in the Cosmic Shogunate.
Astro City: The formal name for the city complex that covers 99% of the planetoid, Space Land. Astro City is the seat of Shogunate governance. As with Far Out, Astro City is seldom used except in formal situations, as Space Land has become far more common a term.
Cosmic Shogunate: The stellar nation encompassing the worlds of Space Land, Lunar Land, Solar Land, Asteroid Land, and Nebula Land, as well as some minor colony worlds, territories on various planets, and scattered space stations. The Shogunate is lead by the Shogun, also known as the Pole Star, as all the realm aligns to him or her.
Ceinia: A primitive world on the edge of Shogunate space. Conquered by the warrior queen, Alala of Polemos. She was on the verge of global domination when she encountered Shogunate forces. Awar has waged for 25 years, and has largely come to a standstill.
Cloud Land: A gaseous planet in the same solar system as Earth. Formerly inhabited by humans, the planet was recently taken over by the Octopodes, a hated race of space octopuses that are masters of infiltration and disguise. With backing by Arcturus, the migrant people completely replaced the indigenous population. Now under the governance of Landro Takayaki, Cloud Land has agreed to become a vassal state to the Shogunate, trading for unobgassium and their stealth abilities. How effective are their abilities? Literally anyone you know could be an Octopode and you would never know.
Objects:
Pole Star: The amulet worn by the Shogun. Shines with pure starlight and is the symbol of the nation.
Restoration of Genji: The Shogun’s personal ship, the Imperial starliner.
Organizations
Star Samurai: An organization of powerful warriors, they are the main fighting force of the Cosmic Shogunate. Samurai are extremely concerned with lineage, and all families are branches of the Four Great Houses. The Samurai Academy recruits young and churns soldiers out by the time they are eighteen, and even recruits from the peasantry. Samurai of sufficient skill level are provided an Ability Crystal, which bonds to their sword, providing a set of powers. Such powers are usually activated by uttering an activation phrase.
Space Ninja: A clandestine organization of, well, ninja that have ruled from the shadows for generations. Once completely hidden on their world of Eclipse Land, the Ninja feared the Shogunate would discover their home and so succeeded in usurping effective control of the realm. They never left, and became an open secret, though their home remained hidden. To further muddle the truth, they intentionally spread rumors of Penumbra, a hidden Space Ninja village that was ostensibly their home. Space Ninja have a wide array of abilities accessed through space ninjutsu, as well as an arsenal of powerful, but secretive weaponry. Space Ninja are divided into Seven Clans and ruled by the Elders.
Stellar Spirits: Four ancient and powerful spirits that exist in Far Out. The Azure Dragon, the Vermillion Bird, the White Tiger, and the Black Tortoise. Periodically they may choose a host to inhabit, granting their blessings and powers to. It is said that if all Four Spirits are united at a certain time, a fifth spirit, the Yellow Dragon, will be summoned forth.
Cosmic Crusaders: A former band of crime-fighters that fought injustice across the Shogunate. They included the space ninja Stella and Blanche; Moon Blade, a young boy chosen by the Man in the Moon; Starburst, who was born with the heart of a star; Daar Lorra, an expert sniper and former mercenary; and Nebula, a FORD experiment that escaped. They eventually went their separate ways. Stella stole some FORD secrets and wound up in Awesome Land, pursued by Blanche (See ALR). Shenanigans ensued and eventually all the Crusaders were reunited to face their old foe, Cixer Star. Stella was lost in the Black Nova. Starburst departed to search for her friend, but Moon Blade, Blanche, and Daar Lorra remained on earth to start new lives.
FORD: The Far Out Research and Development Laboratories, FORD has been under the leadership of Ophiuchus for decades. Responsible for developing the most dangerous weapons the Shogunate employed, it also created a program to create power supersoldiers. They experimented on Stella, pumping cosmic energy into her and breaking her mind; they have done the same to Starburst, but on a more limited scale.
